[October 31, 2012]SPRINGFIELD -- The state of
Illinois' new information portal for community service providers is
streamlining reporting to the state's human service agencies. The
Centralized Repository Vault, or CRV, unveiled in July, is
eliminating duplication of services, providing more efficient
monitoring and allowing service providers to focus on their core
community service mission: caring for our most vulnerable residents.

"Our community service providers fill a critical role in Illinois,
and we need to do everything we can to relieve them of burdensome
processes that waste time and resources," said Illinois Department
of Human Services Secretary Michelle R.B. Saddler. "This new
reporting tool is allowing providers to reduce administrative costs
and reinvest those dollars into programs that help the most
vulnerable among us."

The CRV is a key component of the Management Improvement
Initiative. This 2011 law is aimed at increasing efficiency and
easing the administrative burden on providers while they work with
limited resources and manpower.

To date, more than 1,165 providers have registered and uploaded
nearly 12,000 documents, saving an estimated $40,000 in paper,
printing and administrative costs.

Authorized personnel of community service providers that are
currently under contract with a state human services agency have
access to the CRV. Service providers must register to receive
authorization to use the system by visiting
www.dhs.illinois.gov/CentralizedRepositoryVault.

The CRV accepts and securely stores data with an easy-to-use Web
form to make entries and upload documents for review by the state's
five human service agencies -- the Department of Human Services,
Department on Aging, Department of Children and Family Services,
Department of Healthcare and Family Services, and the Department of
Public Health. Relevant data and documents from human service
providers are collected at once and shared among these agencies,
relieving providers of the administrative burden of repetitive
requests for similar information. The collection of data in the CRV
is being monitored to maintain proper oversight.